Tori is a devoted mother who has always put Ella’s well-being first. Recently, Tori went to pick up Ella on a Sunday evening, only to be met by police who refused to let her take Ella home. The authorities would not explain why, and since then, Ella has not returned to school. There has been some kind of emergency hearing scheduled for December 23 because apparently they brainwashed Ella into thinking she is scared. Colin says Ella is scared to go to school because we might pick her up. NOT!! Tori has only been allowed to speak with Ella twice, both times under strict supervision, and I was only able to speak with her briefly myself. It was clear that Ella was being careful with her words, because someone was listening in.

This heartbreaking situation began after Ella’s Dad and stepmother convinced Ella to say that Tori had hit her. I want to be clear: Tori, nor anyone in our family, has ever hit Ella. NOT EVER! Over the years, the stepmom has made choices that have raised concerns, such as buying matching outfits for herself and Ella, buying Ella’s first bra and making decisions about Ella’s care that seem more controlling than supportive. When Ella is sick, she is not allowed to go to her dad’s house and that’s not a choice, he doesn’t come get her, if she does go to her father’s house, she is isolated in her room “not allowed out” is what Ella says. Tori has had to step in many times to care for Ella when her father refused, especially during illnesses. So have I!!!!

I spoke to Ella last night and told her that I’m still in Florida so Aunt Toni is taking care of Great Great Gram. And that I hope she doesn’t have pneumonia (my exact words, and that’s all I said). Tori talked to her also and told her The tree is up and waiting for Ella to decorate it (her exact words). Here’s the response we get from stepmom-

“Exactly what you and Teri said to her yesterday on the phone is exactly why she doesn’t want to come back there or

Talk to you both . because you guys make her feel like all of this is her fault . Teri telling her that grandma has pneumonia and could be dying is something you don’t tell a 10-year-old . How many years are you going to hold it above her head that she’s been dying or sick ? You don’t put that type of pressure on a 10-year-old. Holding the Christmas tree decorating over a 10-year-old‘s head you don’t do that . But you both do that to her constantly. That is trauma. I don’t do that to her if she doesn’t want to come here and she doesn’t want to speak to me I’m not going to force her because her happiness comes first. It should come first to both of you guys, but clearly it doesn’t. Your own happiness clearly only matters not Ella’s . But go ahead keep trying to hold things above my head it doesn’t work on me anymore . But I will protect my own daughter who I care about who I want to see happy and who I love so much”

I had trauma when I was 10!!! I don’t think this conversation was very traumatic!!!

Help Tori Bring Ella Home. Home with Mom and grandparents and family whose lives revolve around her.

On top of these challenges, Tori’s co-parents have not contributed to Ella’s extracurricular activities, clothes, orthodontics, or tutoring, despite (court ordered) supposedly being responsible for a significant portion of these costs. Their response has always been, “You get enough child support, you pay for it.” And “you won’t always get that money so don’t get used to it”

Now, with Ella removed from her home and school, Tori is facing a costly legal battle to bring her daughter back and ensure her safety. Legal fees are overwhelming, and Tori needs help to fight for custody and protect Ella’s future. Please consider supporting this fundraiser—every donation helps Tori get closer to reuniting with Ella and giving her the stability and love she deserves.